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IMPACT – MEDIUM
What is the change? Israel has implemented a mutual agreement with China to issue 10-year multiple-entry visitor visas.
What does the change mean? Chinese nationals may now apply for the visas, which allow stays of up to 90 days per visit (no more than 180 days per year). The visa will be valid for up to 10 years but will expire six months before expiration of the traveler’s passport and cannot be transferred to a new passport. Work is prohibited and unauthorized work constitutes a criminal offense.
Background: China and Israel signed the agreement providing for the longer-validity visas in March. Among the supporting documents, the following will be required:
The Israeli consulate also reserves the right to request an interview with the applicant or seek additional documents.
BAL Analysis: The 10-year multiple-entry visas will ease travel for Chinese citizens making frequent business trips to Israel, as they will be able to avoid having to reapply for visas upon each entry.
This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group and our network provider located in Israel. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.
Copyright © 2016 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.
IMPACT – HIGH
What is the change? Contrary to recent media reports, Israel’s business visitor and work permit rules remain unchanged. Business visitors conducting limited activities, such as attending meetings, may travel to Israel on a visitor visa. Productive work activities require a work visa before entry, and short-term (less than 45 days) work authorization is available for visa-exempt nationals.
What does the change mean? Travelers should make sure their activities comply with their visa type. Business visitors in particular should be sure that their activities are limited to permitted nonproductive activities.
Background: Media reports in Israel have misleadingly stated that work visas are now required for all business visitors.
In fact, the existing regulations have not changed and allow or require the following:
BAL Analysis: Employers and business travelers are encouraged to contact their BAL professional before traveling to Israel to confirm they are in compliance with the type of visa and its terms and conditions.
What is the change? Israel announced that it will implement an agreement allowing Chinese business and tourist visitors to apply for 10-year multiple-entry visas.
What does the change mean? The longer-duration visas will allow Chinese visitors to avoid having to apply for Israeli visas upon each entry.
Background: The bilateral agreement was signed in March during a joint meeting to promote innovation and cooperation between the two countries. While the agreement is reciprocal, China has not announced an implementation date for the longer-validity visas for Israeli nationals. Israeli consulates in China will issue visa durations according to the foreign national’s invitation letter or other documents, whether three months, one year or 10 years.
BAL Analysis: When fully implemented, the agreement will make it easier for frequent travelers to make business trips between China and Israel.
This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group in China. For additional information, please contact china@bal.com.
When traveling to Israel, your nationality and the types of activities you will conduct during your trip will determine whether you may travel lawfully as a business visitor or if you must obtain work authorization. Please seek advice from your immigration counsel if you are uncertain about the specific types of activities that constitute business or work.
As a business visitor to Israel, you may engage in the activities below. While this list is not exhaustive and other activities could qualify as business, you may:
Nationals of Australia, Canada, the United States and other select countries are eligible for a visa waiver and are not required to obtain a visa in order to enter and conduct business activities in Israel.
Foreign nationals who are not eligible to enter Israel on visa-waivered status must obtain a B-2 Visitor Visa from an Israeli Consulate or Embassy prior to travel. Please obtain an individual assessment before traveling to determine your eligibility for a visa waiver.
The activities below, whether paid or unpaid, generally constitute work under Israeli law. This list is not exhaustive, and many other professional activities are considered work in Israel, even if conducted for a short duration.
The requirements for work authorization depend on your qualifications, on the nature and duration of your work and on the industry in which the entity in Israel operates. The most common types of work authorization for Israel are:
Israel does not offer work authorization exemptions.
Inevitably, the legal and strategic considerations impacting visa selection, as well as visa waiver and work authorization eligibility, entail the careful consideration of many factors. We recommend that you consult with your immigration counsel before taking any course of action.
What is the change? Workers at the Ministry of Interior office in Tel Aviv have gone on strike for the second time this week. The duration of the strike is not yet known.
What does the change mean? Immigration services will be unavailable at the Tel Aviv office during the strike. Employers should expect delays in processing.
Background: The Ministry of Interior office in Tel Aviv is the agency’s largest. Workers went on strike Wednesday for the second time this week under a directive issued by a labor union representing government workers. All services have been suspended and processing delays should be expected. Employers are also reminded that Ministry of Interior offices will be closed for much of October as Israel celebrates the Jewish holidays of Rosh Hashanah (New Year), Yom Kippur and Sukkot.
BAL Analysis: Those with urgent requests should contact their BAL team.
This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group and our network provider located in Israel. For additional information, please contact your BAL professional.
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What is the change? Israeli government offices will be closed for almost all of October as the country celebrates the Jewish holidays of Rosh Hashanah (New Year), Yom Kippur and Sukkot.
What does the change mean? Applicants should expect delays during October and early November.
Background: Offices will be closed for nearly the entire month of October for Rosh Hashanah (New Year), Yom Kippur and Sukkot. The Ministry of Interior will only be open the following days: Oct. 5-6, 9-10, 13, 25-27 and 30-31. The Work Permit Unit will only be open to the public for three days (Oct. 10, 25 and 31) for submission of work permit applications or receipt of approvals. Israeli consular posts abroad will also suspend operations or operate on significantly reduced schedules.
BAL Analysis: Employers should anticipate delays and submit applications before the holidays if possible. Overseas applicants should contact the relevant Israeli consulate for individual holiday schedules.
About Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP Founded in 1980, Berry Appleman & Leiden (BAL) provides comprehensive global immigration services from six offices across the U.S. and from offices in Geneva, London, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Shanghai, Singapore and Sydney. BAL manages global visa matters and customized application approaches for work permits, business visas, and residence permits in more than 100 countries. With a single cost center for worldwide operations, BAL offers centralized management with regional and local support for the complete spectrum of global immigration matters.
Source: Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP
What is the change? Hundreds of Israeli consulate workers went on strike Monday, prompting suspension of processing at a number of Israeli consulates.
What does the change mean? Workers are expected to return to the job Tuesday, but it is possible the strike may be prolonged. Those in need of consular services should check with their local Israeli consulate before seeking services.
Background: Hundreds of consulate workers went on strike Monday over labor issues. Employees announced plans to strike at consulates throughout the U.S. as well as in Canada, Germany, Spain and Jordan, among other locations. The strike was expected to last only one day, although its duration is not certain.
BAL Analysis: Those in need of Israeli consular services should contact their BAL professional or local Israeli embassy or consulate to determine whether the services they need will be available. Minor processing delays should be expected as a result of Monday’s work stoppage.
About Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP Founded in 1980, Berry Appleman & Leiden (BAL) provides comprehensive global immigration services from seven offices across the U.S. and from offices in Geneva, London, Melbourne, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Shanghai, Singapore and Sydney. BAL manages global visa matters and customized application approaches for work permits, business visas, and residence permits in more than 100 countries. With a single cost center for worldwide operations, BAL offers centralized management with regional and local support for the complete spectrum of global immigration matters.
What is the change? A new program will allow spouses of B-1 foreign experts to obtain Israeli work authorization as dependents.
What does the change mean? Under a one-year pilot program, legally married spouses of B-1 experts will be eligible to work freely without needing to be sponsored by a specific employer.
Background: Israel’s cabinet ministers approved the one-year pilot program Sunday.
Spouses of B-1 experts will be eligible to apply for dependent visas and employment authorization documents (whose duration will match the B-1 employee’s visa, which is valid for one year initially and renewable every year for a total of five years and three -months). A spouse’s employment authorization document allows free access to the Israeli labor market, including full-time, part-time, in-office and remote employment, subject to the minimum gross monthly wage of 4,650 shekels (about US$1,220) for full-time work.
BAL Analysis: The program provides a significant benefit to B-1 workers and family members who qualify under the criteria. BAL is following this development and will report as implementation details become available.
What does the change mean? Applicants with time-sensitive applications should file them as soon as possible and anticipate delays when offices reopen.
Background: Offices will be closed for nearly the entire month of October for Rosh Hashanah (New Year), Yom Kippur and Sukkot. During October, the Ministry of Interior will only be open the following days: Oct. 5-6, 9-10, 13, 25-27 and 30-31. The Work Permit Unit will only be open to the public for three days (Oct. 10, 25 and 31) for submission of work permit applications or receipt of approvals. Israeli consular posts abroad will also suspend operations or operate on significantly reduced schedules.
BAL Analysis: Employers should factor in the holiday break when planning for work permits. B-1 work permits take about three months to process, so those aiming for an October start date should file applications as soon as possible. Those applying abroad should contact the relevant Israeli consulate for individual holiday schedules.
What is the change? Israel and China have reached an agreement to provide 10-year, multiple-entry visas to business travelers and tourists from each other’s countries.
What does the change mean? The arrangement, once implemented, is expected to significantly improve visa procedures for Israeli and Chinese nationals traveling to each other’s countries.
Background: The Israeli-Chinese visa agreement follows similar agreements between Canada and China and the U.S. and China. While the change will reduce red tape for business travelers, work activities will not be permitted when traveling on one of the new 10-year visas.
BAL Analysis: The change will facilitate business travel and reduce the inconvenience of having to apply for a visa more frequently. BAL will continue monitoring developments and will update clients when an implementation date is announced or visa issuance begins.